This year oozed black excellence. From Drake's "Hotline Bling" dance moves to everyone wanting to do the "Nae Nae" or singing "Trap Queen" to Serena Williams dominating tennis, there was never a dull moment and the influence of black culture could be found everywhere.
We've rounded up the 20 most memorable moments from black entertainment that without a doubt helped to define 2015.
"What A Time To Be Alive" by Drake And Future was a damn good surprise album.
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Drake and Future's collaborative album spawned hits like "Jumpman," "Big Rings," and "Change Locations." This album pretty much solidified 2015 as the year of Drake.
Cam Newton dabs on national television.
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Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton celebrated after scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in a football game on Nov. 15, by doing the "dab." The media frenzy that ensued led to everyone wanting to mimic the dance created by rap group Migos.
Janelle Monae became known as an activist with a message.
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The singer alongside her Wondaland collective released a song titled, "Hell You Talmbout." In the stirring protest song about policing she chants the names of Sandra Bland, Freddie Gray and all the other countless other individuals who have been unjustly killed. Monae also teamed up with the Black Lives Matter movement this year in Philadelphia.
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Spike Lee and "Chi-Raq" vs. Rahm vs. Chicago
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Spike Lee's newest film, "Chi-Raq" hasn't been without it's share of controversy and anticipation. The mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, openly spoke out against the director and the title of the film and accused Lee of trying to paint him as a villain. In an interview with Chicago magazine, Lee said in response to Emanuel's claims, "Mayor, your honor, you’re gonna be on the wrong side of history." The city's residents aren't too pleased with Emanuel, either.
Serena Williams was way too busy winning this year.
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Serena Williams dominated tennis this year, and it's no wonder that she was named the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year. From winning three major titles to being one Grand Slam title away from breaking Steffi Graf’s Open-era record, she has been killing it in 2015. Not to mention, she's the first individual woman to receive the Sportsperson of the Year honor in more than three decades. Oh and let's not forget she's a superhero, too.
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Viola Davis' win at the Emmy Awards was a win for all black women.
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Viola Davis delivered an absolutely soul stirring speech for her win in the category of Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in "How to Get Away with Murder" at the 67th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in September. "The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity," Davis said in her acceptance speech. Well said!
Hamilton topped Billboard charts.
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"Hamiliton" made its Broadway debut in August and has been slaying the stage ever since. The show is breaking records, as it is the highest topping show ever on Billboard charts along with having the largest debut sales week for a digital cast album. The show uses hip-hop to tell the story with a cast of both men and women of color to play characters who were all white. If you want to catch a show, you should hurry because calling it a hot ticket would be an understatement.
What was your favorite moment from this year? Let us know in the comments section below!
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